Like a real geek who could memorize details from a book or travel guide, and could still recall HEKASI lessons even after many years, I wanted to put Bangui windmills in my “Been There, Done That” bucket. It was one of those things you immediately associate with a certain place—Chocolate Hills for Bohol, Mayon Volcano for Albay, etc.—and the completist in me screamed to accomplish this at the soonest possible time. I would go to Ilocos, see the windmills, and get it over with—done! Compiled under “Finished”! Scratched off the bucket list! Never did I realize that I would be astounded, mesmerized, astonished (and all the synonyms you could think of) when I saw these windmills up close.

These giants—OMG, how majestic they were! They towered over me like a massive creature—their blades spinning slowly, lazily, as if they were just lurking there, biding their time before they could pounce on me. Before they grew legs and crushed me like an ant. My amazement was unspeakable—I felt like Roland finally seeing the Dark Tower!

If you read this post about my addiction towards tall, long structures—then just imagine how ORGASMIC seeing the Bangui windmills was for me!!!

This coastal area is actually called the Bangui Wind Farm: a collection of 20 wind turbines lined up along the shore of Bangui Bay, facing South China Sea. A part of the local government’s project to support renewable energy and harness our natural resources, the wind farm powers up almost half of Ilocos Norte. Cheap, environment-friendly source of electricity—why can’t we have that in Manila? Well, obviously, because the city isn’t exactly ideal for wind power utilization.

From Kapurpurawan, we rode our rented tricycle again and proceeded to the town of Bangui. We made a quick stopover at a café to use their comfort room, and as I was waiting for my friend—my only travel companion—to finish, I walked to the veranda and saw this amazing view! DAAAAAAMN that’s where we’re headed to!

About an hour later, we finally left the dirt road and walked out to the sandy stretch that leads to the windmills. It was 1:00PM, the sun was being incredibly nasty, we haven’t had lunch—but all the exhaustion and sweatiness and stickiness and hunger faded away. For the first time in Ilocos, I blurted out “OMG” and really meant it.

Breathtaking. Majestic. Amazing. All the adjectives you could think of.

Kat: a picture of total elation

There were other tourists when we arrived, but lucky for us they were all huddled in the left area of the farm, where the turbines were off. So then Kat and I proceeded to the other end and totally hogged the space hahaha! The absence of people is a dream come true for photographers!

The windmills on the left praising the heavens

Nobody in his right mind would miss the chance of taking epic photos of himself in such an awesome scenery—therefore, Kat and I promptly turned Latino, internalized, and took dancesport shots along the beach, with the windmills in the background!

I didn’t have a tripod so we had to make use of our bags to hold and angle the camera. I did the set-ups while Kat just waited in position, ready to move at the slightest lead, push, or pull—all in perfect synchronicity to the shutter clicks, of course! Multiple shots, different poses—turns, switches, and change of directions in between. Yeah, we’re talented like that! Hahaha! I ABSOLUTELY PROMISE YOU WE DIDN’T DO ANY RETAKES!

With all the groupies and selfies featuring Bangui windmills, we figured that these photos would be the first of their kind in the whole internet and blogosphere. What do you guys think? (Yes, I tend to dwell on such seemingly pointless accomplishments.)

How to Get There:

From Burgos, continue with Maharlika Highway until you reach the town of Bangui. This town is past Bacarra and Burgos (Northbound) and once you see a sign that says “Kangkang Windmill Café”, the entrance to Bangui beach is just around the corner.

Entrance Fees:

NONE

Tip:

Like the rest of the tourist spots in Ilocos Norte—especially the ones around Pagudpud—it’s best to have a rented car/tricycle.